Exploring the French Corner, Franschhoek Village!

Surrounded by mountains with 360° of breathtaking scenery, Franschhoek – the “French corner” in South Africa’s western cape is a stunning part of the world.

Originally Oliphantshoek, named for the many herds of elephants who wandered this area, it was settled over 300 years ago.

A lot has developed in that time so let’s take a look at the picturesque beauty of Franschhoek.

To Begin.

Looking back to the 1600s when France was Catholic ruled, the persecution of Protestants saw more than 200,000 Reformed Church of France members, or Huguenots, ostracised by the Edict of Fontainebleau.

Fleeing to safer regions in Europe, many made it to the Netherlands and, via the Dutch East India Company, to a small colony on the tip of Southern Africa.

Arriving after punishing months on ships designed to carry cargo, they arrived at the Cape Colony to begin new lives.

Nine Huguenot families were supplied land by the Dutch authorities and combining their farming, bread, wine and cheese-making skills, set about creating their French corner.

Although included in the Stellenbosch municipality, Franschhoek is an entity unto itself with the Cape’s highest awarded restaurants in one area, numerous picturesque wine estates and activities for the adventurer to the snoozer.

#eat

Franschhoek has become known as South Africa’s Culinary Capital.

In October 2014, Franschhoek became a member of The Délice Network of Good Food Cities of the World, an international network of like-minded cities promoting the benefits of culinary excellence and good food.

Franschhoek is the only member of the network from the Southern Hemisphere.

Local wines complement menus from talented chefs who take advantage of the freshest of local produce to create globally recognised cuisine from all-encompassing 5-course menus to stylish light meals.

One such chef is Reuben Riffel. Recognised throughout South Africa as brand ambassador for Robertsons Herbs & Spices and Samsung Home Appliances; judge and host of Masterchef South Africa; author of 3 cookbooks; recipient of numerous awards including South Africa’s Best Chef and Riffel is also known for his philanthropy.

Growing up in Groendal on the outskirts of Franschhoek, it was inconceivable he would later live in and own his own restaurant in Franschhoek. Groendal and Franschhoek when Riffel was growing up were 2 very different places.

Through recognising opportunities, taking a few risks and genuine hard work, Reuben Riffel now has 5 restaurants to his name and here’s what to expect at his flagship in Franschhoek.

Solms Delta, just under 15km out of Franschhoek’s town centre offers the wine-loving history-buff a day of discovery.

In 2001, Professor Mark Solms established Solms Delta on the neglected Delta farm. Realising this was not only home for himself, but the 7 families who’d lived on the land for generations, Professor Solms set about developing an inclusive program ensuring everyone had a share of the land.

At first, he encountered some resistance. As a doctor, his natural instinct was to find the cause of the condition and provide a remedy.

Rather than immediately begin farming, the professor and tenants began digging into the earth and the history of their land. Artefacts were revealed and through these, they began to establish the history of the farm and their own ancestry.

Acknowledging Solms Delta’s establishment was built on the backs of generations of slaves, Professor Solms joined with social entrepreneur, Richard Astor, to develop a 50/50 joint ownership program. In 2007, the tenants received a 33.3% share followed by 45% in 2016.

In the tasting room, along with the expert knowledge shared of the terroir, varietals, production and cellaring, expect to be entertained. The girls love to sing and after a couple of glasses of wine you’ll likely be joining in.

In Fyndraai Restaurant, the chef brings the Cape’s history into his menu with influences from all over the African continent, Europe and Asia. A story of culinary conservation is told through the produce grown on the farm and tours of the garden can be arranged.

For students of archaeology, history and wine appreciation spend an afternoon, or all day, at Solms-Delta.

Part of the UNESCO Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve, MRNR offers over 30km of well-maintained hiking trails.

Hike all day or a couple of hours and you’ll experience beautiful views of the Franschhoek Valley, the diversity of the reserve’s flora and the sheer joy of knowing you’ve had a workout ready for an evening of guilt-free indulgence.

Check webtickets or at the entrance to the reserve for information on permits and entrance fees.

If mountain bikes are more your thing, join Experience Franschhoek on guided tours in the mountains and through the Berg River Catchment area. Guides share the history of the town and info on the indigenous flora and fauna.

Are you more inclined to have the clip-clop of horses hooves accompany you on your adventure? With a Cape Winelands Riding experience, you can spend all day with your equine pal stopping off at intervals to sample the valley’s wonderful wine and food.

For those who are only in Franschhoek for the food and wine, take a wine tour with a difference.

Franschhoek Wine Tram is a hop-on-hop-off tram and bus-tram tour. Decide on your desired wine estates, choose the most compatible wine line and visit up to 9 estates in a day.

For more on Franschhoek Wine Tram, return here next week for an in-depth journey you won’t want to miss.

In the Karoo region of South Africa, in the relatively remote town of Prince Albert, these pieces are individually crafted by a group of talented artisans. Each piece begins its life from the cracked shell of a newborn ostrich.

Avoova’s team gather the discarded eggshells from the ostrich farmers and piece together thousands of fragments to shape beautiful designs creating the veneer of wood, aluminium and stainless steel pieces.

For something more personal and truly homely, keep 21 Roux Street Guest House in mind. Located, surprisingly, at 21 Roux Street ;-), the property is a leisurely walk to the centre of Franschhoek Village for a morning coffee, a bite of lunch or to hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram.

Accommodating 8 guests in 4 luxury suites, all imaginable needs are catered for and then some.

Sink into a dreamless sleep in the enticing queen beds; sip coffee in the sun by the pool admiring the mountains in the background; wake up to a breakfast second to none full of fresh fruit, eggs any which way and sides for Africa (pardon the pun).

Fill the deep claw-foot bath and soak away any remaining city stress and enjoy G&Ts on your terrace before heading out for a wonderful evening of indulgence at any one of Franschhoek’s famed restaurants.

Getting there.

Car hire from Cape Town Airport is not only affordable, it gives you the freedom to explore at your leisure. Take the picturesque route through Stellenbosch to Franschhoek or hit the motorway via the R300 for a quicker route.

Exploring the fabulous French corner of Franschhoek: it’s a thing we love….

South Africa is high on our “to visit soon” list and your post just elevated that desire. We knew little of Franschhoek but thanks your #eat, #drink, #explore …. format, now have a very good sense of what to expect, see and experience. Fascinating how many wonderful places to visit in our world are a result of displaced people carving out a new home for themselves. LOVE the history!!!

I always love to know the history of a destination too, Michael. Imagine the Huguenots when they arrived in this area where elephants were roaming and vegetation, mountains the whole terrain was foreign. I guess they didn’t have much of a choice but to get on with it and make it home. Kudos to them! I know I appreciate it. Franschhoek is a very special village, one I’m glad is now on your list. 🙂

I know what you mean Lexx. South Africa is opening up more and more to me too. There is so much going on and the produce is amazing, not to mention the beautiful countryside and mountains. We loved it and are planning a return visit to see more. BTW I can vouch for Tuk Tuk Microbrewery, we stayed there a little longer than expected. 😉

I’ve never been to South Africa but love to go – the Franschhoek Valley looks amazing and I would definitely try out all the food and wine 🙂 The Wine Tram also looks like a fun way to explore all the different wine estates. Thanks for sharing!

French corner! I am learning so many new things everyday now thanks to all these blogs! Those food look delicious! I am glad to find out getting there is relatively easy!! I don’t drive…so, what would be the alternative transportation options from Cape Town?

Franschhoek Wine Tram do a pick-up & drop-off service for Cape Town and surrounds if you book a tour with them. You don’t have to go to Franschhoek and back in a day, you can stay a few days and they’ll take you back when you want to go. Easy! It’ll be on the blog this week. Look out for it on Thursday. You can also subscribe to get blog updates straight to your email. 🙂

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9 months ago

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Katie

Having visited Stellenbosch recently I now have to go back to see Franschhoek! Especially since you mentioned the gin tasting!

You do indeed, Katie. If gin is your thing then you have to go to Paarl as well. LOL. Here’s a link to Spice Route where Wilderer Gin is distilled. The tasting there is also fantastic! https://paraphernalia.co/spice-route/ Check it out! 😉

Thanks, Ferne! I found the little I saw of South Africa to be diverse and wanted to show that here. I loved experiencing some lesser known or less publicised parts of the western cape. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

It is interesting to read how people move from one country to another and the circumstances that pushed that moved. Who would have thought French people would have ended up in South Africa? After seeing your food pictures, I totally understand why this place is called South Africa’s Culinary Capital. Those dishes are incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit these beautiful places (and others located nearby). #feetdotravel

I love the history of foreign settlement too Ruth and I would definitely encourage you to visit this French corner of South Africa. It’s hard to describe how picturesque it is, you just have to see it for yourself. 🙂

What a wonderful region to visit to try some tasty food, good wine and go for some amazing hikes. I would love to visit South Africa and the Franschhoek Valley. Ruben’s and Foliage Restaurant are definitely on my list. Thanks for sharing! #feetdotravel

I don’t think you could go wrong with those 2 restaurants, Stephanie. Both hit it out of the park for us and I think it comes down to the fresh local produce used in imaginative ways. The Chef’s Menu at Foliage was a particular highlight. 🙂

Superb food superb wine in a stunningly beautiful country- what more could you ask for!!! I adore Franschhoek! I really need to plan a visit back at some point in the next few years!! I miss South Africa!

As I was writing this article, Tracy, I was also thinking how I’d love to go back. This area along with so many others are fantastic for soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the local produce. This was my first trip to South Africa and I’m sure it won’t be my last! 🙂

What a fabulous place and that Springbok Steak meal looked divine. South Africa is such a beautiful place, so many vineyards and great eateries. We hired a car in SA so can vouch for it being affordable, we also found the roads and driving to be very pleasant (hope that hasn’t changed). Lovely read, but now I’m hungry (and thirsty for some wine haha) #feetdotravel

After the crazy driving in Dubai, Angie, it was so relaxing to drive in SA. Being able to stop off where ever was great too. We loved our time in Franschhoek. It was such a lovely area to spend a few days.tasting its deliciousness. 😉

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9 months ago

Welcome to paraphernalia.co!

Who doesn’t love to travel? Whether it’s your annual road trip or country hopping with no fixed address, travel is good for the soul.

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